The Whitehall-Coplay School Board approved the appointment of eight new teachers at its June 9 meeting.

The group of new appointees consists of six fifth-grade teachers and two middle school teachers.

Zephyr Elementary Principal Terri Miller introduced the fifth-grade teachers, who include Elizabeth Crawford, April Harakal, Tiffany Dancho, Amy Miller, David Lengyel and Kelly Odenwelder.

Miller gave some background on each of the individuals.

Dancho earned her bachelor's degree at Cedar Crest College and has worked as a substitute teacher for the district.

Harakal earned her bachelor's degree from Kutztown University and has worked as a substitute teacher and para-educator within the district.

Crawford graduated with a bachelor's degree from Bucknell University.

Lengyl earned his bachelor's from Moravian College.

Miller earned her degree from Bloomsburg University and has some specialty teaching certifications.

Odenwelder graduated from Moravian College with a bachelor's degree.

The middle school teachers appointed include Ean Costenbader, who will work as a special education teacher and MaryEllen LaDuke, who will work as a family and consumer science teacher.

Each teacher's salary is between $41,907 and $42,851 pending current contract negotiations.

In other matters, district Superintendent John Corby spoke about the 2014 commencement that took place at Stabler Arena, Friday, June 6.

"We had another successful graduation," he said.

Corby also spoke about a correspondence the board received from Good Shepherd. A student fell at the graduation and was injured. The correspondence gave plaudits to Jason Fox who stayed with the student.

Corby said the letter read that Fox "went unselfishly above and beyond and accompanied the victim to the facilities."

During the public participation portion of the meeting, Doreen Huber spoke to the board about the upcoming Relay for Life event that will be held at the high school's football stadium.

Huber said the event starts at noon, June 20 and runs until noon June 21.

The theme of the event is "Cancer Never Takes a Holiday."